Rio Tinto: Chief executive to quit over destruction of Aboriginal caves

The boss of Rio Tinto, Jean-Sebastien Jacques, will step down following criticism of the mining big’s destruction of sacred Aboriginal websites.

In Might, the world’s largest iron ore miner destroyed two historic caves in Pilbara, Western Australia.

The corporate went forward with blowing up the Juukan Gorge rock shelters regardless of the opposition of Aboriginal conventional homeowners.

It has sparked widespread condemnation from shareholders and the general public.

On Friday, the corporate mentioned in a press release that “vital stakeholders have expressed considerations about executive accountability for the failings recognized”.

The board mentioned Mr Jacques would stay because the chief executive till March, or till a successor was appointed.

Different senior executives – together with the heads of the miner’s iron ore part and company relations – may even go away the corporate on the finish of the yr.

Australia’s parliament is presently holding an inquiry into the miner’s actions.

Rio Tinto additionally held its personal inquiry earlier this yr, after which the corporate minimize bonuses for administrators and commenced makes an attempt at repairing relations with Aboriginal communities.

“What occurred at Juukan was improper and we’re decided to be certain that the destruction of a heritage website of such distinctive archaeological and cultural significance by no means happens once more at a Rio Tinto operation,” mentioned chairman Simon Thompson.